considering a guinea pig

Question
I had guinea pigs growing up, they were great pets, and now I am considering getting one (or possibly 2 again). I want a social one that will enjoy being held, are some breeds more tame than others? What should I look for when trying to choose the right one? I know they get tamer over time, but are any more relaxed before working with them? I have heard that 2 females together are the happiest. They do better with that social interaction, is that true? Would you recommend that I get 2 females? And if I do get 2, how will I know that they will get along if they haven't ever met before? Will they be less bonded with me if there are 2? I really want ones that I will be able to hold and cuddle with like I did when I was growing up, how can I make sure that happens. How big of a cage would I need if I were to have 2? I know that is a lot of questions, please try to help me out if you can.

Thanks so much for your time!

Answer
Hey Ashley,
I love the fact that you are asking questions and rsearching guinea pigs BEFORE you buy.

Two guinea pigs will be much happier than one alone. As far as some breeds being more tame than others, there are different opinions on this. I have heard that the short haired varieties can be a bit more energetic than the long haired ones, but I haven't really seen this with my own.

There are many different things to consider when finding the right piggy. First, decide whether you want to purchase one or adopt one. There are many good guinea pig rescues who have wonderful pigs. And they usually know their pigs very well, so they can match you with the right one. Also, usually they have pigs in pairs who have been together for awhile and are already used to eachother. Try petfinder.com. You can find some wonderful animals in your area for adoption or sale. If you would like to purchase a guinea pig, check your local pet store. Look at all their animals and the overall cleanliness of the store. With pet stores it is kinda hit or miss. And if you purchase a female from a pet store that doesn't know what they are doing, there is a good chance she is pregnant. Sometimes a quick internet seach will turn up some really good breeders near you. This is a good outlet for pigs as well. When looking for an animal, look for health signs like clear eyes and alertness. Sometimes sick piggies look tired, or you can hear then wheezing. If the animal looks healthy, let your heart decide.

As far as some being more tame than others before they really get human attention, it all depends on the pig. I have seen some pigs that will freak out if anyone comes near them, while others will just go on eating or sleeping. My oldest girl still lets you reach into her cage and pet her. I recently purchased a pig who was really calm and nice, then had babies. She is still a sweety, but she will run away at the first sign of being petted.

Females tend to be a lot better together than males. Males may start fighting with eachother over breeding rights and territory. Females don't really have this problem. However, there is a social pecking order, so one female is likely to be the dominant pig, the other the subordinant. However, neutered males can be happy together too. If you decide to get two pigs, and they are not already living together, then there is a bit of risk involved. You would have  to go through a long process of introducing them to eachother. Meanwhile they have to be separated. For this find neutral territory, like the couch, and with your supervision let them nose eachother. Soemtimes things go smoothly sometimes not. If they fight, then you have a problem. Sometimes pigs who are already the top pig expect to be with any new pig introduced to them. And if the other pig doesn't want to be the subordinant one, then you have a problem. This is why buying two pigs from the same litter or adopting two that have been together already might be a good idea.

I do not think that guinea pigs will bond any less to you if there are two together. They just have someone there to keep them company when you aren't around.

Getting a pig the likes to kuddle really depends on the pig. Make sure you hand them before you buy them. If thy bite and scratch and squirm when you hold them, try a different pig. You just have to find the right one. It all depends on the pigs personality, and how they were treated before you saw them.

As far as cages go, THE BIGGER THE BETTER. Trust me, having a big cage makes all the difference. When I was little, I used to keep my pigs in those small bad excuses for cages as a kid. Now I have large cages and there is a huge difference. My pigs are healthier and happier. They talk a whole lot more and run around a lot. Try www.guineapigcages.com. These are the best cages, are inexpensive and easy to put together. I love mine.

Good luck with your pigs!